What are the suitable motorcycle oil grades for summer?
2 Answers
During summer when temperatures are higher, motorcycles are better suited for using higher viscosity engine oils such as 0W40 or 15W40 grade oils. If summer temperatures aren't extremely high, 15W30 grade oil can also be used. The number after W indicates higher temperature resistance (larger number means better high-temperature performance), while the number before W indicates better low-temperature performance (smaller number means better cold-weather performance). Motorcycle oil grades refer to: The smaller the number before W, the better the low-temperature performance; the larger the number after W, the better the high-temperature performance. Except for 5W30, other grades can be used in summer or spring/autumn; 5W30 is winter-grade oil, suitable for temperatures below -20°C. Motorcycle oil is the abbreviated term for motorcycle engine lubricating oil. Motorcycle lubricants typically include engine oil (referred to as motorcycle oil), gear oil, and shock absorber oil. Functions of motorcycle oil: Lubrication and friction reduction: During engine operation, friction occurs between pistons and cylinders, main shafts and bearings. Excessive friction may cause seizure while accelerating component wear. Oil film between friction surfaces prevents rapid wear. A sufficiently thick oil film separates moving parts, reducing engine friction loss and extending engine life. Cooling: Beyond air-cooling and water-cooling systems, oil also provides cooling. High operating temperatures are dissipated as oil carries heat back to the oil tank before releasing it into the air. Vibration damping: Operating engines create impact forces between components. Oil distributes localized impacts, reducing vibration and shock loads on parts, thereby slowing wear and aging. Sealing: Oil forms a seal between piston rings and pistons, reducing gas leakage and preventing contaminant entry. Rust and corrosion prevention: Lubricant forms protective films on metal surfaces, shielding against water, air, acids, and harmful gases to prevent corrosion and rust. Cleaning: Quality oil circulates carbon deposits, sludge, and metal particles back to the oil pan, cleaning engine components through continuous flow.
I remember specifically researching engine oil grades during mountain rides last summer. In hot weather, you need to choose oils with higher numbers after the W, like 10W-40 or 15W-50. The number 40 represents high-temperature viscosity – the hotter it gets, the thicker oil you need, otherwise the engine might suffer cylinder scoring. But first check your motorcycle manual – my Honda CB500X originally specifies 10W-30, but for summer touring I switch to 10W-40 for peace of mind. One pitfall to avoid: automotive oils marked SN/SP may contain friction modifiers that can cause clutch slippage in motorcycles with wet clutches, so always look for the JASO MA2 certification. On my bike during continuous 2-hour rides, oil temperature can spike to 120°C – using the right oil is absolutely critical.
